The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-03-19
MICHIGAN NOTES.
The Ministers of the State.

The Ministers of the State.
AS to the ministers. We have now in
our ranks goodly number Of faithful,
consecrated, wide-awake men. There is
the utmost harmony prevailing, so far as
/ have been able to learn. We do not
have at all times the same mental con-
victions, and we do not always see from
the same spiritual standpoint. But the
motto hung upon the walls of our clerical
superstructure would bear close resem-
blance to the ever beautiful saying: "Who
can best work, and who best agree"
We have harmony then, and a good fair
sample of workers in the ministerial
ranks. Let this state of affairs continue.
Guard jealousy the standard which has
been reached. Let each one consider
himself Waterman on the tower of our
State Zion, that we may have nothing but
good material in the pulpits. I do not
mean by this that every one must be
great in culture, eloquence or magnetism;
this standard would give many of us
certificates of discharge. But let each
conner be intelligent, loyal, progressive.
This is no immaterial matter. Other
States have seen the necessity OF it; we can
not afford to ignore it. Keep the ranks
of our ministry as strong as they are, at
least, and when changes are made,
strengthen if possible.
The Credentials of the Church.
At this point it seems to me judicious
to say that every parish employing a min
lister should be very careful. do not
mean by this that it should listen to the
idle and malicious tales of ministerial or
other busy-bodies. They are numerous
and despicable; but should guard against
the employment of any one who is not
furnished with the credentials of the de-
nomination. do not say but that good
men might not be possessed with those
credentials; but if they be SO, it surely
would not be difficult to obtain them. A
saint has no right to take charge of par
ish without proper obedience to denomi-
national laws; neither has the society a
right to employ such. Let parishes, people
and ministers be consistent, charitable
and Christian in this important matter.
I write in the interest of our cause in
this State. am persuaded that we could
do much to make more effective our work.
It is a fond hope that some good may
come from this that put these thoughts
before the readers of The UNIvERsALIsT
May other words be added and may bet
ter work be wrought.
Concord
Rev. w. L. Gibbs parishioners recently
waited on him in large numbers, and left
substantial tokens Of their affection and
esteem for the good pastor who ministers
to their spiritual needs.
Hanover.
Father A. W. Mason has preached for
this parish to most excellent audiences
and considerable interest has been awak'
ened. He also supplied for Br. Gibbs
at Concord the third Sunday in February
We are pleased to know that the veteran
is still able to do duty.
Hillsdale.
The good work under Rev. Mr.. Dicker.
man still goes on. During February sew
eral were baptized and twelve received
into church membership, making in al
twenty accessions this year. The people
have taken fresh energy and their pastor
is earnestly DESTROYS that a ministerial
conference be held with them. We second
this motion.
Lansing.
The Literary and Social Union" o.
the church had its annual reception a
Liedenkranz Hall, the first week in Feb
ruary, and some 200 were present; So
marked the net result. Br. Squares hal
been giving a course of lectures on inter
esting topics to large audiences. He ha
another ministerial candidate under way
He is also preaching at different point
as a missionary laborer.
Lapeer.
Rev. Elmer Jacobs is doing we'll, and
getting good hold of the work. Tn
forces are coming up under his ministra
tons. Mrs. Jacobs is valuable assist
ant, is the organist, and does much in tn
parish work.
Clifford.
Our people here are as anxious as eve
for the welfare of our cause. The Sur
day school is in a most flourishing eond
ton, being the largest and best in tn
place. AT our last service there was nc
standing room in the hall.
Personals.
Rev Mr.. Towne has resigned at Por
land and goes back to Canton to finish h
theological course.